About Us
Educo Research launched in 2017 when Pamela Hernandez, Ph.D., after years with Houston nonprofits, foundations, and agencies, recognized that missions were strong but evidence was thin. She founded Educo Research to provide the missing tools: surveys, protocols, evaluation frameworks, reports, toolkits, and hands-on research workshops that build internal capacity.
We focus on organizations, not products.
Our work centers on social impact: qualitative and quantitative research for nonprofits across the U.S., facilitation, and training that help teams understand communities and make data-driven decisions.
While Pamela is Principal Researcher, each engagement brings a right-sized team: professionals, interns, and specialists across disciplines, assembled to fit your scope, whether it’s a county-wide needs assessment or data analysis for social impact.
Our team
Dr. Pamela Hernandez
Principal Researcher/Founder
Pamela Hernandez, Ph.D., was raised in Houston, Texas, and began her professional career in college student development and teaching in private and public higher education institutions across the U.S. In various roles, she improved the access, recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of multicultural students. She continues to support students in their exploration of personal, educational, and career possibilities through coaching and mentoring. Higher education affirmed her passion for learning, research, and teaching.
She has over 17 years of research, assessment, and evaluation experience working with organizations, foundations, educational institutions, and agencies on topics ranging from housing and environmental justice to health equity and educator pipeline issues. She has also provided guidance on how nonprofits can use focus groups to understand their communities.
Her work includes:
- Supporting college access and success for Houston families.
- Developing programs and curricula relevant to diverse populations.
- Coordinating professional development on social-emotional learning and intelligence, leadership capacities, research best practices, and education policy.
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on topics such as demographic trends, Latino leadership, research methods, dissertation writing, college access and student development, and diversity in education. Currently, Dr. Hernandez is an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Houston-Main Campus in the College of Education.
Recognized as one of Houston Woman Magazine’s Top 50 Most Influential Women of 2024 and a Federation of Houston Professional Women Woman of Excellence (2025), Dr. Hernandez is also an active leader in local civic, educational, and nonprofit boards. Her work bridges scholarship and practice to strengthen community capacity and advance educational equity.
Pamela holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Maryland, College Park, a M.S. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Oregon, and a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology from Knox College.
Desi Rios
Research Associate
Dr. Desdamona “Desi” Rios is a former Associate Professor of Social Psychology and Director of Latinx and Latin American Studies at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL). She has led transformative and award-winning initiatives to support students across diverse identities, as well as climate workplace assessments. She is an award-winning educator recognized by the American Psychological Association’s Society for the Teaching of Psychology, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, and the Association for Women in Psychology. Dr. Rios has published work focused on underrepresented faculty and student experiences, as well as community-engaged research practices.
Her advocacy transcends college spaces and into the community, where she serves as a consultant for non-profit organizations like Magnolia Park Arts & Community, and Wellness on Wheels HTX (WOW). Today, she is co-writing the first Psychology of Latinx People textbook in the field of psychology.
Danitza Torres
Project Manager
Danitza Torres is a business and healthcare professional with experience spanning multiple industries, including insurance, public health, commercial real estate, and international business. She earned a BBA in Business Management from the University of Houston and completed a dual master’s degree in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Her work has focused on enhancing patient outcomes through innovation, operational efficiency, and collaborative approaches.
With cross-sector experience and a strong academic foundation, Ms. Torres demonstrates adaptability, a strategic mindset, and a deep commitment to continuous growth.
Fernanda Duarte
Research Assistant
Fernanda Duarte is a global professional with experience in project management, communications strategy, and international development. She has led large-scale outreach campaigns in the U.S., advancing equitable access to education for Latino and undocumented communities, and has managed engagement initiatives in Europe, Africa, and Latin America. With a degree in Global Governance, Economics, and Legal Order from Esade Business & Law School and academic experience in Singapore, she brings a strong international perspective.
Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in digital strategy, she is passionate about creating inclusive solutions that drive social impact.